¹⁷ Only, ^(A)as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And ^(B)so I direct in ^(C)all the churches. ¹⁸ Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? ^(D)He is not to be circumcised. ^19 (E)Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is ^(F)the keeping of the commandments of God. ^20 (G)Each man must remain in that ^[a]condition in which he was called.

²¹ Were you called while a slave? ^[b]Do not worry about it. But if you are able also to become free, rather ^[c]do that. ²² For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is ^(H)the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who was called while free, is ^(I)Christ’s slave. ^23 (J)You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. ²⁴ Brothers, ^(K)each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.